How Do You Measure Success in Running? (Reflection on 2017 Goals)

As I started writing the recap of my 2017 goals, I had an ah-ha moment (and this is a big one for this Type-A runner): Success in running isn’t always about the time on the clock. Most of us aren’t getting paid to run – so why do we run!? So that we can send everyone we know our Athlinks profile and proudly announce our PRs to anyone who mentions running? No. Most of us run because we enjoy improving ourselves, we genuinely enjoy running, we like the way it makes us feel and we like the learning process of training for a race. Or, that’s how running fulfills me. So why do I measure my success as a runner on exactly how fast I can get to point A to point B on ONE day of the year?

All of my 2017 fitness goals revolved around setting a personal best at the marathon, specifically at Mountains 2 Beach (which would most likely qualify me for the Boston Marathon given that my PR is only 27 seconds off of a BQ). Even though I wanted to PR at M2B, I knew we were going to try for Baby #2 (which trend out to be baby #2 and 3) so even if I were to qualify for Boston, I wouldn’t be running it anyway. I knew I’d have to try again, but I still wanted to give M2B my best effort and I knew that training with my coach Jim and the Seaside Striders would give me a great shot at getting fit enough to do it. But regardless of all that, I still really, really wanted to PR.

Set a PR (sub 3:35:27) at the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon. This was the Number one goal. I missed this goal, running a 3:42 and realizing later that day that I was fighting a stomach flu during the race.

Strength train, including at least one leg specific workout, three times per week (this will be all Beachbody programs). I didn’t track this but I did consistency strength train for all of 2017. There were weeks when I got in more than 3 workouts and other weeks when it was less, but overall, I was super consistent.

Foam roll and stretch at least twice a week. Definitely did not do this all year but I did do quite a bit of stretching and foam rolling during M2B training.

Schedule recovery into my weekend to allow myself to recover from long runs (i.e. don’t plan a million activities and schedule a nap or at least couch time!). Because Siena takes nice long naps every afternoon, I did get more napping in during marathon training this cycle, though I remember having a crazy month during peak training where I had a lot of showers and parties.

Fuel my body with healthy foods, especially after tough workouts and long runs.Don’t use hard workouts as an excuse to eat low quality foods (though some on occasion are totally fine!). I did a good job at this during marathon training (besides date nights where I ate half a large pizza practically every Thursday). Often, on Wednesdays I’d make something healthy in the crockpot so I could eat it when I got back from my tough speed workout sessions around 8-8:30 PM (this enchilada turkey quinoa recipe is a fav!). One I got pregnant, this went out the door because I was so nauseous and all that sounded good was processed white carbs! Ah well.

Although as runners we often get caught up in our times and the numbers, it’s truly about the journey. If you’re learning, improving, and having fun along the way, then I’d say you had a successful training cycle no matter what the race result. And that doesn’t even mean you have to be improving time-wise; you could be improving in other aspects such as mental health or fitness. Thinking about running in this way makes it fun no matter what your current situation – whether you’re pregnant like I am, getting older and no longer able to hit paces you once were or are getting back into running after a break – you can still feel proud of where you’re at in your journey at the moment. It’s not all about the numbers.

Seaside Striders Running Club

Does that mean I’m giving up on my Boston Qualifying goal? Definitely not – I’ll be out there shooting for a sub 3:35 again (even though my qualifying time is now 3:40), but what I’ve learned is that that number on the clock doesn’t define me as a runner and I won’t let it ever again.

How did your 2017 goals go? How do you personally measure your own success in running?

Reader Interactions

Comments

Nicole, this is a great post!! Like you, I’ve come to realize that times and PRs do not define me as a runner. 2017 was all about about a comeback from a bad injury (sprained and fractured ankle playing tennis) in late 2016 and major surgery, plus over 3 months off running early in 2017. I did 2 races, both 5ks, in 2017, and if I had let those race times define me, I wouldn’t be running anymore. It was truly about missing running and discovering how much fun the journey of improving is. Your blog has motivated me and given me some great resources in this process. Thanks for sharing your running and fitness journey, and Happy New Year!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Primary Sidebar

Search this website

Welcome to My Blog!

I’m Nicole. I'm a runner, new(ish) mom, Ironman and fitness lover who attempts to live a life of balance as a pizza, beer and coffee lover. I live in a coastal suburb of San Diego and try my best to keep it real here!

I set big goals and have had my share of failures along with my successes. Keep reading to join me in my continued quest to achieve fitness goals, big and small.

If you'd like to reach out to me for any reason, contact me at fitnessfataleblog at gmail dot com!

I’d Love To Help You Achieve Your Goals!

I am a health and fitness coach. I run monthly challenge groups which provide daily accountability and guidance through your journey to achieve your own personal goals.

If you're a runner who is looking to mix in strength training, don't hesitate to reach out! You can compliment your running by including a modified version of any of the programs with your running schedule.